Yankee baseball is just a few days away! Unfortunately, there is not much to talk about on that front, especially with the majority of the 26-man roster being set. In the meantime, let me give you my three bold predictions for the 2025 season.

Diamondbacks win 100+ games, obtain the second best record in MLB

I'm not willing to go bold enough to put anyone over the Dodgers, especially in the regular season, but the Diamondbacks appear to be a team that's flown under the radar in the National League.

With Corbin Burnes signing a 6/yr $210 million contract in Arizona, the D-Backs now have a legitimate Ace at the forefront of an already solid staff. The bullpen is just as dangerous, with the righty lefty tandem of Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk projected to close the majority of games for the snakes.

Despite the talent on this pitching staff, the lineup is the focal point of this team. Last seasons D-Backs had the most runs scored in the MLB by a landslide, and were able to retain the majority of their lineup in the process.

After losing first base slugger and defensive stalwart Christian Walker to the Astros this winter, the team quickly pivoted to Josh Naylor, signing him on a 1/yr $10.9 million deal.

While they lost a gold glove first baseman in Walker, Naylor puts up comparable numbers offensively, so this lineup is showing no signs of slowing down.

After missing out on a playoff berth by one game in 2024, the D-Backs could be out for blood in 2025.

Paul Skenes wins the Triple Crown

After getting to a top 3 Cy Young finish in just 133 innings, the sky is the limit for Skenes.

Just for reference, Skenes was able to finish 13th in the National League for strikeouts last season with 170 Ks, not to mention his 33% K rate. Skenes was also able to rack up 11 wins in his shortened season on a mediocre Pirates team.

2024 NL Triple Crown winner Chris Sale was able to get his league leading totals in just 177.2 innings, a 32% K rate, and a significantly higher ERA of 2.38 compared to Skenes' 1.96. (MLB pitchers must throw at least 162 innings to qualify for the ERA title)

The more I think about it, this isn't even that hot of a take. As long as Skenes keeps doing what he's doing, the Pirates marginally improve, and don't put any limits on the reigning Rookie of the Year, the 2025 NL Triple Crown is for Skenes' taking.

Junior Caminero finishes top five in AL MVP

Baseball's number four prospect going into 2024, Caminero is ready to take the league by storm in 2025. Despite league average numbers in his 213 MLB plate appearances, the Rays new third baseman has been sensational at the plate across every level of the minor leagues.

According to FanGraphs, Caminero projects to be a solid hitter in 2025, wRC+ projections ranging from 113 all the way up to 130. Those are respectable, but far from MVP numbers. However, I think we're due for some Rays voodoo magic this season.

Despite below average BB% and K%, a benchmark for projecting breakout hitters, Caminero will likely be at the top of the league in plate appearances as he is slated to be the Rays starting third baseman.

With Caminero exceeding rookie limits last season, there is no need for the Rays to rein in their young star, paving the way for him to have ample opportunities to fulfill the lofty expectations I've set for him.

With Juan Soto moving to the National League, and Vlad Guerrero trade rumors swirling, their could be a couple open seats on AL MVP ballots for Caminero.

If he could replicate the .307/.374/.548 slashline he put together across 1210 plate appearances in the MiLB, the soon to be 22 year old will almost certainly make the top five in a weak American League, and make me look like a genius in the process.

Three Bold Predictions for the 2025 MLB Season

Photo credits: tampasportsradio.com

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